Coronavirus and Sheltering in Place

Beloved Community of the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz
Grace and Peace to You in this time, as we learn to live differently with the Corona Virus around us.
Hopefully by now, you have become aware that we are in a state of “Shelter In Place”; for your safety and the safety of others, we are curtailing most of our activities here at the UMCSC. We are trying to work out details that will enable our community to meet and stay in contact, virtually. For those who are using computers and smart phones, this will be easier. For others that are not using the latest technology, we are working out another way to stay in touch.

WHAT THIS WILL MEAN FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE:
No Formal In-Service Sunday Morning Worship.
All Small Groups can meet “on-line”.
We will keep you posted with updates and information by way of email, Facebook, and our website.

OPTIONS DURING THIS TIME:
Sunday On-Line Worship is being offered for everyone by Los Altos United Methodist Church, either as a Livestream or through their Archives; Senior Pastor Kathi McShane is a wonderful pastor, and I believe you will appreciate what LAUMC is offering to everyone who participates. Go to: https://laumc.org/worship/laumclive

WHAT WE ARE ALSO OFFERING:
We will be offering daily postings on our Facebook page; please “like us” and share this information with your friends. We will be working to keep our Website current.
You may subscribe to other Spiritual on-line daily devotionals including:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional (upperroom.org)
For Lent, we are using WeRiseNow.org
The Center for Action and Contemplation (with Richard Rohr) (on-line daily devotions).
We are working on creating podcasts/livestream events.

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HEALTH INFORMATION:
CNUMC.org
Megan B Holland suggests texting covid19 to 211211
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
CA Department of Public Health (cdph.ca.gov/covid19)

WHAT WE CAN DO AS A CONGREGATION:
There have been three families in our congregation who have offered to be resources for our Senior Families who are homebound; they can deliver food, medications, and provide other resources. Please be in contact with Pastor Jay by cell: (831) 334-4287.
Pray … Write Letters … Use your phone to make contact with others … email/text/or make contact via social media. We are setting up a call/visit system, and if you would like to participate or need assistance, call Pastor Jay.
If you are a Small Group Leader, offer to be in contact with your small group on a regular basis.
Spend time doing the things “you’ve always said you need to do…”; clean out that closet, read that book, write that letter, make that phone call, do that yardwork, cook that meal, finish that prayer shawl, participate in centering prayer (there is a phone app for this!) … so many opportunities!

FRIDAY NIGHT SHELTER WILL CONTINUE:
For those who have no home to retreat to … we are their shelter home one night a week.
We are working out the details of how to proceed, but we will continue to offer care for our Shelter Guests on Friday nights … please contact Pastor Jay to help.

More information is forthcoming.
Know that the grace of God is present even when we are in the midst of the struggle!
Love is present … prayers are evident … kindness is a gift we can share.

Peace, Pastor Jay